Teen karter makes dazzling debut in senior ranks

TEENAGE South Purrumbete driver Kyle Rethus has used his debut go-kart race in senior company to highlight his potential behind the wheel.

Rethus produced a sublime display of driving to claim the honours in the clubman light class in round six of the Victorian Country Series at Cobden.

The 16-year-old, who had stepped up from junior clubman, won his two heats, pre-final and final to complete a clean sweep of the round.

He also placed second in the sportsman light class at Cobden, using a different kart.

Rethus was one of three class victors for South West Kart Club (SWKC) on its home track.

Michael Geist won clubman heavy after surging from grid position two in the final.

Thomas Prascevic also completed a clean sweep in junior national light.

Warrnambool Kart Club (WKC) also tasted success courtesy of Daniel McKean, who was clinical in tag restricted heavy class.

But Rethus stood out.

“That was the memorable bit of the event,” SWKC publicity officer Chris Place said.

“Young Kyle Rethus, who has just turned 16 — you have to turn 16 to race in seniors — he’s very experienced in junior ranks, a very good karter.

“He won every race that he competed in. Not only win them, he won by half the length of the straight.”

A modest field of 110 contested the two-day competition, which was the round of the Victorian Country Series.

SWKC had four placegetters overall.

Rethus won junior clubman, Mitch Mackay was third in junior national light, his sister Jaymi Mackay earned third in junior national heavy and Jarryd Balcombe was third in clubman heavy.

WKC also had three drivers earn series placings.

Billy Askew was second in sportsman restricted super heavy, competing in three rounds was enough for Daniel McKean to place third in sportsman restricted heavy and Corey McCullagh was second in sportsman light.

Place said drivers travelled from Melbourne, Geelong, Horsham, Ballarat as well as Mount Gambier and Adelaide to race at Cobden.

“On the whole we had a big weekend, beautiful weather,” Place said.

“Some South West Kart Club members, particularly Freddy Walsh and Benny Nolan worked hard.

“Freddy put in 80 hours on the lawn mower. The place looked absolutely beautiful, we got lots of comments on the facilities.”